Royal Mail worker spotted by police trying to climb into car overturned in Sunderland street while twice the limit

Karen Mackel, 46, was spotted by police making the bizarre attempt in St Luke’s Road in the early hours of Sunday, February 23.

She became obstructive when spoken to but also blew a positive roadside breath test, South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court heard.

The part-time Royal Mail employee has now been disqualified from driving for 19 months and hit with fines and costs totalling £317.

Prosecutor Kirstie Devine told the court: “In the early hours, a police officer is called to St Luke’s Road and finds a Ford Fiesta overturned in the middle of the road.

“The defendant was trying to climb back into the vehicle. She was obstructive. There was an accident and there was traffic in the vicinity.

“She was arrested and breathalysed. The defendant is of previous good character.”

Magistrates were told Mackel gave a reading of 70 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 35.

Mackel, who defended herself in court and pleaded guilty to drink-driving, said: “I did it. I don’t understand why I did it. I will accept whatever punishment there is.”

Mackel, of Lower Street, St Asaph, near Rhyl, Wales, was fined £200 and must pay £85 court costs and a £32 victim surcharge.